Applications are Open for 2024 Rural LGBTQ+ Audio Retreat

Guest post contributed by Grace Johnston-Fennell, Out in the Open, Grace@WeAreOutintheOpen.org

Applications are Open for 2024 Rural LGBTQ+ Audio Retreat

Washington County, ME – Out in the Open is pleased to announce that applications are now open for a five-day immersive audio skill-building retreat in collaboration with Country Queers founder, Rae Garringer.

Out in the Open (OITO) is a multi-racial, majority working class, grassroots movement & capacity building organization whose mission is to connect rural LGBTQ+ people to build community, visibility, knowledge, and power. Based in Southern Vermont since 2012, we now work across Wabanaki territory with full-time staff and board members living and working in Maine and Vermont. 

At this year’s Audio Retreat, a group of ten participants will spend time getting to know one another through story circles and writing prompts. We’ll explore hands-on audio recording techniques and listen to a variety of audio storytelling styles (from oral history to audio diaries). The group will work together to produce 2-5 minute audio shorts. Built into the week will be plenty of time to relax, laugh, and rest together in a beautiful setting. Audio Retreat participants will receive a $400 stipend. Transportation and dependent care support is available as well.   

OITO Executive Director HB Lozito says “It’s so important that rural LGBTQ people are telling our own stories, in our own words and this Retreat helps build skills and relationships to do exactly that. All while having fun and building relationships among other rural LGBTQ people! Building on the success of our first five-day Audio Retreat in 2023, and Power & Belonging Fellowship Retreats, we are excited to return to Washington County with this gathering.”

Applications are open until September 23 and there is no cost to submit materials. More information and the link to apply are on Out in the Open’s website: WeAreOutintheOpen.org.